A murder investigation has been launched and an arrest made after police found the body of a woman.

Officers were called by the ambulance service to a house on Louisa Street in Darlington just after 12.30pm today.

After gaining entry to the house, police discovered a local woman in her 40s who was declared dead at the scene.

Detective Superintendent Dave Ashton said: “I can confirm a murder investigation is underway after a woman died in a house in Darlington this afternoon. We have one person in custody who is being interviewed by detectives.

“Local people can expect to see an increased police presence in the Louisa Street area over the coming days as my officers work to piece together what happened.“

A 43-year-old woman from Darlington has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Anyone with information that could help police enquiries is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101 quoting reference 145 of December 6.